HealthcareISCO 2250
Specialised veterinarian
Specialised veterinarians are professionals with a comprehensive scientific education. They have the authority to carry out, in an independent, ethical and personally responsible capacity, all aspects of veterinary medicine, in the interest of the health and welfare of animals and public health in accordance with national and international legislation. In addition they need a recognized qualification and/or experience in a specific species and/or veterinary procedure.
Check yourself in a minute: specialised veterinarian
Rate 5 of the 43 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
certify the performance of veterinary procedures
perform laboratory testing on samples of animals
conduct cancer screening tests
perform euthanasia on animals
manage animal biosecurity
About specialised veterinarian
A specialised veterinarian is a person who, with comprehensive scientific training, is authorised to carry out all aspects of veterinary medicine independently, ethically and under personal responsibility, in the interest of animal health and welfare and of public health, in accordance with national and international legislation, and who holds a recognised qualification or experience in a particular species or veterinary procedure.
The veterinarian makes veterinary diagnoses, assesses animal behaviour, carries out cancer screening examinations, administers anaesthetics to animals and performs post-mortem examinations where a cause of death has to be established.
The veterinarian also manages animal biosecurity in a practice or on a holding, which means preventing the spread of infectious disease, because a veterinarian moves between animals and premises and can carry disease between them.
The veterinarian issues certificates in respect of products of animal origin, and food safety and public health depend on these certificates. The specialisation is what the title rests on, and it is acquired after qualification through additional training and practice. It may concern, for example, veterinary surgery, small animal medicine or equine medicine. Entry is through veterinary studies followed by a recognised specialisation.
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (43)
biosecurity related to animalsbiosecurity related to animalsAwareness of hygiene and bio-security measures when working with animals, including causes, transmission and prevention of diseases and use of policies, materials and equipment.signs of animal illnesssigns of animal illnessPhysical, behavioural and environmental signs of health and ill health in various animals.animal welfare legislationanimal welfare legislationThe legal boundaries, codes of professional conduct, national and EU regulatory frameworks and legal procedures of working with animals and living organisms, ensuring their welfare and health.animal production scienceanimal production scienceAnimal nutrition, agronomy, rural economics, animal husbandry, hygiene and bio-security, ethology, protection and herd health management.animal welfareanimal welfareUniversally recognized animal welfare needs as applied to species, situation and occupation. These are: need for a suitable environment need for a suitable diet need to be able to exhibit normal behav...physiology of animalsphysiology of animalsThe study of the mechanical, physical, bioelectrical and biochemical functioning of animals, their organs and their cells.environmental enrichment for animalsenvironmental enrichment for animalsTypes, methods and use of enrichment for animals to allow the expression of natural behaviour, including the provision of environmental stimuli, feeding activities, puzzles, items for manipulation, so...fundamental veterinary sciencesfundamental veterinary sciencesVeterinary anatomy, histology, embryology, physiology, biochemistry, genetics, pharmacology, pharmacy, toxicology, microbiology, immunology, epidemiology and professional ethics.safe work practices in a veterinary settingsafe work practices in a veterinary settingSafe work practices in a veterinary setting in order to identify hazards and associated risks so as to prevent accidents or incidents. This includes injury from animals, zoonotic diseases, chemicals, ...veterinary clinical sciencesveterinary clinical sciencesAetiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment of common diseases and disorders. This includes veterinary areas such as propaedeutics, clinical and anatomic pathology, microbiology, ...anatomy of animalsanatomy of animalsThe study of animal body parts, their structure and dynamic relationships, on a level as demanded by the specific occupation.animal behaviouranimal behaviourThe natural behavioural patterns of animals, i.e. how normal and abnormal behaviour might be expressed according to species, environment, human-animal interaction and occupation.certify the performance of veterinary procedurescertify the performance of veterinary proceduresProduce descriptive certification of procedures carried out by a veterinarian.perform laboratory testing on samples of animalsperform laboratory testing on samples of animalsConduct and interprete simple procedures in a veterinary practice laboratory on samples of an animal intended to detect, identify, or quantify disease agents, evaluate organ functions, or determine th...conduct cancer screening testsconduct cancer screening testsUndertake screening test at an early stage, before cancer symptoms appear, taking physical exams, laboratory tests, imaging procedures and genetic tests.maintain veterinary clinical recordsmaintain veterinary clinical recordsCreate and maintain clinical records for animals according to national regulatory requirements.perform euthanasia on animalsperform euthanasia on animalsKill painlessly an animal suffering from an incurable and painful disease.manage animal biosecuritymanage animal biosecurityPlan and use appropriate biosafety measures to prevent transmission of diseases and ensure effective overall biosecurity. Maintain and follow biosecurity procedures and infection control when working ...communicate specialised veterinary informationcommunicate specialised veterinary informationCommunicate the relevance of and the advances in the area of specialisation to general practice veterinarians and to non-veterinarians.conduct ante-mortem veterinary health inspectionconduct ante-mortem veterinary health inspectionPerform clinical assessment and certification of the health status of food animals prior to slaughter.evaluate information in the field of veterinary nursingevaluate information in the field of veterinary nursingBe able to read, understand and utilise the most current research available to justify decisions based on best practice.practise veterinary professional codes of conductpractise veterinary professional codes of conductAdhere to veterinary professional codes of practice and legislation.provide sedation to animalsprovide sedation to animalsSelect, administer and monitor sedatives dispensed to animals for a medical intervention.perform esophagoscopyperform esophagoscopyConduct oesophagoscopy to visualise the oesophagus for either diagnostic or therapeutic benefit.manage animal welfaremanage animal welfarePlan, manage and evaluate the application of the five universally recognised animal welfare needs as appropriate to species, situation and own occupation.perform surgical procedures on animalsperform surgical procedures on animalsApply operative manual and instrument specific techniques on an animal with the intention of modifying physiological status, and/or restoring normal organ or tissue function or structure.conduct veterinary consultationconduct veterinary consultationConduct structured and empathetic communication with clients in order to ascertain or provide relevant clinical information concerning health status, treatment options or other ongoing care of the vet...issue certificates for animal productsissue certificates for animal productsIssue certificates related to animal health and welfare or to animal products, based on the necessary examination or testing, in accordance with the principles of certification agreed at European leve...perform intra-operative neuromonitoringperform intra-operative neuromonitoringPerform investigations such as electroencephalography, electromyography and evoked potentials to monitor the functional integrity of neural structures such as nerves, spinal cord and parts of the brai...prescribe physical therapy to animalsprescribe physical therapy to animalsPrescribe physical methods for therapy in animals, such as modification of exercise, massage, heat treatment, electrical and other wave based treatments.apply safe work practices in a veterinary settingapply safe work practices in a veterinary settingApply safe work practices in a veterinary setting in order to identify hazards and associated risks so as to prevent accidents or incidents. This includes injury from animals, zoonotic diseases, chemi...apply animal hygiene practicesapply animal hygiene practicesPlan and use appropriate hygiene measures to prevent transmission of diseases and ensure an effective overall hygiene. Maintain and follow hygiene procedures and regulations when working with animals,...collect samples from animalscollect samples from animalsObtain specimens of an animal's body fluids, secretions, excretion or other tissues, in order to facilitate the diagnosis of health and disease.apply veterinary epidemiologyapply veterinary epidemiologyAnalyse animal and zoonotic disease morbidity and mortality in a given population and relate findings to the norm. This includes collection and analysis of data and information for use in individual a...apply specialised veterinary knowledgeapply specialised veterinary knowledgeResolve problems which are beyond the competence of a general practice veterinarian.perform gross post mortem examination on animalsperform gross post mortem examination on animalsPerform gross examination of an animal's corpse to diagnose the aetiology and pathophysiology of disease or death of animals and for the safety and quality of animal products entering the food chain.manage the use of vaccinesmanage the use of vaccinesPrescribe, administer and manage the use of vaccines, immune stimulants and suppressors and anti-sera.handle veterinary emergencieshandle veterinary emergenciesHandle unforeseen incidents concerning animals and circumstances which call for urgent action in an appropriate professional manner.perform veterinary diagnosisperform veterinary diagnosisIdentify and determine the physiological status of animals and the nature and cause of diseases in animals through evaluation of patient history, clinical examination, and the selection, taking and re...monitor the welfare of animalsmonitor the welfare of animalsMonitor animals’ physical condition and behaviour and report any concerns or unexpected changes, including signs of health or ill-health, appearance, condition of the animals' accommodation, intake of...assess animal behaviourassess animal behaviourObserve and evaluate the behaviour of animals in order to work with them safely and recognise deviations from normal behaviour that signal compromised health and welfare.'.implant microchips in animalsimplant microchips in animalsScan for existing microchips prior to implanting a new one. Inject the implant under the animal's skin.provide anaesthetics to animalsprovide anaesthetics to animalsSelect, administer, and monitor anaesthetics in animals in preparation for surgery.'.
Optional (27) — show
zoonotic diseaseszoonotic diseasesZoonoses are infectious diseases of animals that can naturally be transmitted to humans. They consist of a wide range of diseases and range from endemic zoonoses such as brucellosis, anthrax, bovine t...take advantage of learning opportunities in veterinary sciencetake advantage of learning opportunities in veterinary scienceUse different channels and learning styles such as journals, courses, and conferences to obtain new information, knowledge, skills, and know-how in relation to working with animals.understand the animal's situationunderstand the animal's situationCategorise and verify information about the environment and its impact on the animal. Analyse the situation, such as what the animal may want or need.collaborate with animal related professionalscollaborate with animal related professionalsCollaborate with veterinary and other animal related professionals through communication of animal details, case records and summary reports orally or via written or electronic transfer.communicate with customerscommunicate with customersRespond to and communicate with customers in the most efficient and appropriate manner to enable them to access the desired products or services, or any other help they may require.control animal movementcontrol animal movementDirect, control or restrain some or part of an animal's, or a group of animals', movement.cope with challenging circumstances in the veterinary sectorcope with challenging circumstances in the veterinary sectorMaintain a positive attitude during challenging situations such as a misbehaving animal. Work under pressure and adapt to the circumstances in a positive manner.'.follow work schedulefollow work scheduleManage the sequence of activities in order to deliver completed work on agreed deadlines by following a work schedule.manage a small-to-medium businessmanage a small-to-medium businessManage the organisational, financial and day-to-day operation of a small-to-medium enterprise.calculate rates per hourscalculate rates per hoursMake simple calculations regarding the money that should be earned in relation to the number of hours worked.interact safely with animalsinteract safely with animalsEnsure a safe and humane interaction with the animal avoiding factors that will negatively affect their behaviours. This includes the use of humane training aids/equipment, as well as explaining their...advise on livestock disease controladvise on livestock disease controlAdvise livestock owners of economic aspects of disease eradication. Advise consumers of public health implications of diseases transmissible from animals to humans.assess animal nutritionassess animal nutritionAssess the nutrition status of animals, diagnose dietary imbalances and prescribe correction.provide first aid to animalsprovide first aid to animalsAdminister emergency treatment to prevent deterioration of the condition, suffering and pain until veterinary assistance can be sought. Basic emergency treatment needs to be done by non-veterinarians ...apply numeracy skillsapply numeracy skillsPractise reasoning and apply simple or complex numerical concepts and calculations.make decisions regarding the animal's welfaremake decisions regarding the animal's welfareMake a choice from several alternative possibilities that promote the animal's well-being.maintain relationships with animal welfare establishmentsmaintain relationships with animal welfare establishmentsEnsure good relations with other animal welfare establishments and agencies.check the health of livestockcheck the health of livestockPerform routine visits to farms in order to check the health of livestock.'.interview animal owners on animals' conditionsinterview animal owners on animals' conditionsAsk questions appropriate to the setting and purpose, with the aim to elicit accurate information on the animal's health condition, in order to facilitate a correct diagnosis.develop an animal handling strategydevelop an animal handling strategyDevelop plans and strategies to deal with the animal in order to achieve established goals and optimal results.'.plan scheduleplan scheduleDevelop the schedule including procedures, appointments and working hours.provide animal trainingprovide animal trainingProvide training in basic handling, habituation, and obedience to enable the completion of day-to-day tasks while minimising the risks to the animal, the handler, and others.perform endoscopyperform endoscopyCarry out endoscopy using an endoscope to examine the interior of a hollow organ or cavity of a patient.advise on animal welfareadvise on animal welfarePrepare and provide information to individuals or groups of people on how to promote the health and well-being of animals, and how risks to animal health and welfare may be reduced. Provide recommenda...deal with challenging peopledeal with challenging peopleWork safely and communicate effectively with individuals and groups of people who are in challenging circumstances. This would include recognition of signs of aggression, distress, threatening and how...implement veterinary clinical governanceimplement veterinary clinical governanceConduct self audit and peer group review processes in relation to professional standards in veterinary clinics.maintain administrative records in the veterinary officemaintain administrative records in the veterinary officeCreate and maintain administrative records for activities such as appointments and sales in the veterinary office.'.
Related Occupations
Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.
general veterinarian38 shared essential skillsofficial veterinarian23 shared essential skillsveterinary nurse18 shared essential skillsanimal behaviourist16 shared essential skillsanimal care attendant16 shared essential skillsanimal handler16 shared essential skillsanimal trainer16 shared essential skillsanimal embryo transfer technician15 shared essential skills
Frequently asked questions
What does a specialised veterinarian do?
Specialised veterinarians are professionals with a comprehensive scientific education. They have the authority to carry out, in an independent, ethical and personally responsible capacity, all aspects of veterinary medicine, in the interest of the health and welfare of animals and public health in accordance with national and international legislation. In addition they need a recognized qualification and/or experience in a specific species and/or veterinary procedure.
What skills does a specialised veterinarian need?
A specialised veterinarian needs 43 essential skills, including biosecurity related to animals, signs of animal illness, animal welfare legislation, animal production science, animal welfare.
Will AI replace specialised veterinarian jobs?
The AI disruption score for specialised veterinarian is 20/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: calculate rates per hours, follow work schedule, apply numeracy skills. Most resilient: control animal movement, interact safely with animals, perform euthanasia on animals.
AI Replacement Risk
20/ 100
Low Risk
Low riskHigh risk
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